Accelerating wattle seed production for the Australian native food industry
The Australian wattle seed (Acacia spp.) industry is poised for significant growth after the establishment of several commercial orchards in recent years. In 2020, about...
A proof of concept for technology-enabled intensive marron farming
86 pages
Published: 16 Feb 2024
Author(s): Aquatic AI
ISBN: 978-1-76053-470-7
Share this content
-
Download report PDF
Download -
Purchase a hard copy - AUD $50
Marron (Cherax cainii) is a large Western Australian freshwater crayfish that is acclaimed as a luxury ingredient by chefs and restauranteurs. Marron farming has considerable potential to grow from its current annual gross value of production of $2 million to satisfy high-value export volume opportunities. However, although substantial efforts have been made over the years to develop commercially viable production systems, there are significant barriers to scaling up output.
This project took a technology-enabled approach to addressing production barriers and therefore intensifying and scaling up marron farming systems. The project identified and validated promising feed and husbandry strategies to support healthy marron growth and survival rates at higher stocking densities. It demonstrated the potential viability of a feed regime, supported by water management scheduling and biofilm-friendly surface areas in tanks.
Gut microbiome analysis was tested as a marker for marron health, but results showed it was not a satisfactory commercially viable biomarker. The breeding simulations conducted during the project demonstrated substantial compounding genetic gain in traits such as growth, survival and feed efficiency, and predicted better future performance through generational improvements.
The project established a proof of concept for a super-intensive farming approach in a laboratory setting with full-time technical support. Further research and development will be required to implement the system at a commercial scale and will entail engineering to deploy an automated, modular, scalable approach.
Related resources
Ten reasons for growing and drinking Australian Coffee
Could you be our next Australian coffee investor or producer? The cooler climate of Australia’s subtropical latitudes provides a longer ripening season which brings out...
Sea Cucumber Health and Biosecurity: Hatchery and Nursery Guide
The current farm gate value of sea cucumber (Holothuroidea) is approximately US$4.4 billion, from an overseas market yielding 200,000 tonnes. With demand projected to increase,...
Sea Cucumber Health and Biosecurity: Ranching and Grow-Out Guide
In response to global market demand for sea cucumbers (Holothuroidea), Australia has a significant opportunity to expand its aquaculture industry beyond wild-caught specimens. Escalating demand...
Industry placemat: Crocodile
This placemat serves as a resource for those interested in the emerging crocodile industry. Within this placemat, you’ll find essential fast facts alongside the fundamental...
Industry placemat: Coffee
This placemat serves as a resource for those interested in the emerging Australian-grown coffee industry. Within this placemat, you’ll find essential fast facts alongside the...
Amendment of the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code to permit the sale of Moringa oleifera as food
Moringa, Moringa oleifera Lamarck, is a fast-growing, sub-tropical tree from the family Moringaceae that has global application as a highly nutritious ‘super food’. The high-protein...